10 films that prove prom is always better in the movies

High school prom is perhaps the most quintessential teenage experience. There’s no wonder that there are plenty of movies that focus on what is supposed to be a magical night filled with formal wear, dancing and a proper send off to high school. Here is a list of 10 films that showcase seniors’ big night out:

“Pretty in Pink”

The John Hughes 80s classic “Pretty in Pink” features Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, who falls for the preppy Blane McDonough. After the two break up, Walsh goes to the prom with her best friend, Phil “Duckie” Dale, in a totally awesome reconstructed vintage dress. Once he sees Walsh, McDonough realizes that they belong together despite their social statuses.

“She’s All That”

In the 1999 romantic comedy “She’s All That,” Freddie Prinze Jr.’s character Zack Siler comes back from spring break to find that his girlfriend not only dumped him for a “Real World” cast member but also left him without a prom date. He makes a bet with his friends (including the late Paul Walker) that he can makeover the school art nerd Laney Boggs, played by Rachel Leigh Cook, into a prom queen. Usher, Lil Kim and Matthew Lillard also appear along with a pretty epic dance scene.

“Carrie”

The 1976 horror film “Carrie” is based on a Stephen King novel of the same name. Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) is a high school loner with a fanatically religious mother and the power of the telekinesis. Her powers begin to manifest after a particularly embarrassing event in the girl’s locker room and as her classmates torment her. A particular group of kids convince one of their friends to invite Carrie to prom where she is voted prom queen and gets a bucket of pig’s blood dumped on her. Let’s just say the results are both fiery and murderous.

“Encino Man”

Brendan Fraser, Sean Astin and Pauly Shore star in the 1992 comedy “Encino Man.” Two high school students (Astin and Shore) find a caveman, Link (Fraser), who they try to pass off as an exchange student. The three become popular before a jealous jock reveals to the student body at prom that Link is actually a caveman. The discovery leads a synchronized, prehistoric dance.

“Back to the Future”

Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly in the 1985 comedy “Back to the Future.” McFly is transported back to 1955 by “Doc”Brown’s DeLorean time machine and ends up going to high school with his parents. While he’s stuck there, he must get his parents to fall in love with each other so he and his siblings can still exist back in present-day. Things get really weird when his mom develops a crush on him, but everything eventually gets on track.

Never Been Kissed”

Drew Barrymore stars as copy editor Josie Geller who goes back to her former high school undercover for a story. She soon gets looped into the popular crowd at the school and records their interactions via a hidden camera. She also falls for her English teacher. Unlike her actual high school experience, Geller gains popularity and is eventually voted prom queen before her cover is blown.